Is It Time to See a Urologist? 7 Symptoms You Need to Make an Appointment For

Looking back, I wish I went years ago. I’ve written about my frequent UTIs before and previously estimated that I’ve suffered from over 100 infections since becoming sexually active. Still, I was convinced there was nothing more that could be done for my ongoing urinary issue.

Indignantly, I accepted my proclivity for developing UTIs post-romp-in-the-sack and believed my gynecologist was already doing everything possible for my sexual and urinary health.

Until my mom finally questioned it six years later. She told me she was seeing a urologist for her UTI problems—which were mainly related to menopause—and that she thought it was time I accepted that my GYNO’s solutions had maxed out, that I seek the help of a specialist.

Previously, it hadn’t even occurred to me that going one step beyond my GYNO—to a specialist who specifically dabbled in urinary infections and other nether-regions issues—was an option. When my gynecologist said there was nothing more to do—that I’m simply “prone”—I believed him.

Ever since going to my first appointment with a urologist, I haven’t gotten any UTIs—my chronic, six-year-problem that happened every single time I had sexual intercourse, is now solved.

So how do you know if you’re in the same boat—if it’s time for you to ditch the GYNO and go see a specialist instead?

Urologists treat the following issues:

• Bladder, uterine, or kidney cancer
• Pelvic pain
• UTIs
• Incontinence
• Urinary and kidney stones
• Chronic kidney disease
• Bladder prolapse
• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)

If you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms or warning signs, it may be time to make your appointment:

• The overwhelming sensation to pee frequently
• Leaking pee (incontinence)
• Pain during sex
• Lowered libido
• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in back/sides/kidneys

Do you have any of the symptoms above? Let us know in the comments below if you’ve been to a urologist before.

Cover image courtesy of Getty Images

By Stephanie Osmanski on December 2, 2016
Stephanie is a chai tea enthusiast with a special penchant for telling apart the Sprouse twins. She works as a social media editor in the magazine industry and blogs about all things lifestyle at StephOsmanski.com. Her words have been featured on Seventeen, USA Today, J14, Parents, Hollywood, and more.